Podcast Show Notes

2025-12-02 Federal Market Insights Episode 33 — Session Overview

WPI Podcast Episode 33 Summary 

December 2, 2025 – Marketplace Wisconsin is an annual event held for the past 44 years.

It is formally known as:  

The Governor’s Conference on Diverse Business Development

As stated on the event’s website –  https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com/     – the goal of this is event is to help make small businesses more successful.

“When small businesses succeed, Wisconsin thrives.”

MARKETPLACE brings together business owners from across Wisconsin who are focused on growing their business.  This event provides a unique opportunity for businesses to learn from and connect with business professionals, government and corporate buyers, potential mentors and partners as well as resource providers.

Marketplace Wisconsin consists of two major events: The Contracting Academy and Marketplace. The Contracting Academy provides critical details on how business can engage the public sector. Over the years, topics have addressed selling to the Federal Government, Subcontracting and doing business with the state and local governments. Information on The Contracting Academy can be found in a separate post.  Registration

 Link:  The Contracting Academy (TCA)

Marketplace Wisconsin is a full day and a half event. The first day consists of a variety of sessions that address timely topics such as doing business in the age of AI or how to look at and maximize the value of your business. The day ends with a high energy and massive networking event. The are no expectations but being engaged and having plenty of business cards are two key recommendations.

The next day is a full day event and is the show-case event. The morning begins with a variety of panels. The panelists are peers. They are or have been business owners. Their insights and advice can be critical as it has been well-earned. As the day transitions to the one-on-one buyer meetings and open display floor the energy is high and there is no need for further motivation. The panels set the stage and have been inspirational.

The display floor is open and all businesses that have a booth are open for business and will take time to network. Businesses can preregister for the buyer meetings or they can register on-site. Businesses should prepare. They should review the buyers who will attend. They should conduct research concerning the buyer’s companies and what products/services may be of interest. Companies that would like assistance conducting the market research should contact WPI at 414-270-3600. Staff will be excited to assist. Companies should also have a tailored copy of their capability statement and business cards.

Capability Statement preparation has been covered in another FMI session –Podcast Show Notes | Wisconsin Procurement Institute   Also, if desired contact WPI for assistance with developing or reviewing your capability statement.

Lastly, as the old adage goes, start with the end in mind. Your business development efforts don’t end with adding Marketplace. The question is what are you going to do with the information gained and contacts made during these three days? The next step or stage of your preparation is your post-Marketplace communication plan. Sometimes business comes to you. Most of the time, becoming a supplier or a subcontractor or prime takes time and effort. Your post-Marketplace communication plan is a key component of your marketing strategy. See this   Registration  Post Marketplace communicant plan link for more information or contact the main office at 414-270-3600.

While we are talking about Marketplace Wisconsin – Save the dates for next year’s  Marketplace.

Save the dates: Dec. 8-10, 2026 https://www.marketplacewisconsin.com